"ASO BOY!" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR Kyushu's sightseeing limited express train, "ASO BOY!", which connects Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station via Aso Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This popular sightseeing train is also a great choice for family trips with children, and this article summarizes key points to check before your journey. Aso Station is a hub for sightseeing at Mount Aso, which boasts one of the world's largest calderas. It's also a convenient station for connecting to sightseeing buses and taxis to Kusasenri and the summit of Mount Aso. Near Tateno Station, along the way, there's a unique railway layout that combines switchbacks and loop lines. At Kusasenri in Aso, you can relax and enjoy the magnificent caldera landscape along with grazing cows and horses. Access to the summit of Mount Aso may be restricted depending on the volcanic activity, so it's best to check the latest eruption alert level beforehand. The Aso area also has many large facilities that combine fun and learning, such as Aso Farm Land, expanding the options for family trips. The Aso Volcano Museum has extensive exhibits where you can learn about the mechanisms and history of volcanoes, making it suitable for educational family trips.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
"ASO BOY!" is a JR Kyushu sightseeing limited express train that runs from Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station via Aso Station on the Hohi Main Line. It is operated using modified Kiha 183 series diesel railcars that debuted in April 2011, and is also popular for its mascot character "Kuro-chan," which is based on a white bear. It is characterized by its design that is geared towards family travel with children, and is equipped with facilities that children can enjoy, such as a kids' room and a picture book corner. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. The train's design was created by Eiji Mitooka, with the concept of a train that can be enjoyed by three generations of a family, and every detail has been meticulously crafted.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Train Name | "ASO BOY!" |
| Operating Company | JR Kyushu |
| Main Operating Sections | Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station (via the Hohi Main Line, via Aso Station) |
| Main Starting and Ending Stations | Kumamoto Station / Miyaji Station |
| Number of Trains Running | Approximately 1-2 round trips per day (operating on limited days) |
| Estimated Travel Time | Kumamoto to Miyaji: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes; Kumamoto to Aso: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Seating | Reserved Ordinary Seats / Green Car Seats |
Table of Contents
- What is "ASO BOY!"?
- "ASO BOY!" Timetable
- Operating Section of "ASO BOY!"
- Stations Served by "ASO BOY!"
- Fares for "ASO BOY!"
- How to Buy Tickets for "ASO BOY!"
- Is Ticket Issuance Required?
- Can IC Cards or Credit Card Contactless Payments Be Used?
- Seating Information for "ASO BOY!"
- Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "ASO BOY!" Train.
- Important Notes When Riding "ASO BOY!"
- Summary
What is "ASO BOY!"?
"ASO BOY!" is a JR Kyushu sightseeing limited express train that debuted on April 23, 2011, connecting Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station via Aso Station. It is a heavily modified version of the Kiha 183 series diesel railcar that originally operated in Hokkaido as "Okhotsk," and features a white-based body with the mascot character "Kuro-chan" painted on it. The operating section was temporarily changed due to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, but after the restoration of the Hohi Main Line, it has been operating towards Aso and Miyaji. "Kuro-chan" can be seen in onboard goods and stamps, making it a sightseeing train that is friendly to children.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of "ASO BOY!" lies in its onboard facilities designed with families traveling with children in mind. Car 3 has a kids' room and a picture book corner, ensuring that even young children can enjoy their time on board. Behind the driver's seat in Cars 1 and 4 are panoramic seats offering stunning views. These panoramic seats are reserved seats in the ordinary car and do not require a Green Car ticket. Car 1 also has separate Green Car seats arranged in a 3-seat configuration. Animal motifs are incorporated into the seats and window areas, creating a fun experience for families.
"ASO BOY!" Timetable
*Please note that the "ASO BOY!" train may only operate on limited days.
Downbound (towards Aso) Timetable
| Stations Served | "ASO BOY!" Train (An Example) |
|---|---|
| Departing from Kumamoto | morning |
| Tateno | ― |
| Arrived in Aso | Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes later |
Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Kumamoto)
| Stations Served | "ASO BOY!" Train (An Example) |
|---|---|
| Departing from Aso | afternoon |
| Tateno | ― |
| Arrived in Kumamoto | Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes later |
The "ASO BOY!" train operates approximately 1-2 round trips per day between Kumamoto Station and Miyaji Station, via Aso Station. The estimated travel time from Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and from Kumamoto Station to Aso Station is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Operating days and the number of trains may change.
Important Notes Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The "ASO BOY!" train may be suspended due to regular vehicle maintenance or the operating status of the Hohi Main Line. Some sections of the Hohi Main Line have been affected by disasters in the past, and the operating section may change depending on the recovery status.
Operating Section of "ASO BOY!"
Main Sections
- Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station (via the Hohi Main Line, via Aso Station)
Aso Station is a hub for sightseeing at Mount Aso, which boasts one of the world's largest calderas. It's also a convenient station for connecting to sightseeing buses and taxis to Kusasenri and the summit of Mount Aso. Near Tateno Station, along the way, there's a unique railway layout that combines switchbacks and loop lines. At Kusasenri in Aso, you can relax and enjoy the magnificent caldera landscape along with grazing cows and horses. Access to the summit of Mount Aso may be restricted depending on the volcanic activity, so it's best to check the latest eruption alert level beforehand. The Aso area also has many large facilities that combine fun and learning, such as Aso Farm Land, expanding the options for family trips. The Aso Volcano Museum has extensive exhibits where you can learn about the mechanisms and history of volcanoes, making it suitable for educational family trips.
Stations Served by "ASO BOY!"
Main Stations Served
- Kumamoto Station
- Higo-Otsu Station
- Tateno Station
- Aso Station
- Miyaji Station
*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the day of operation.
Fares for "ASO BOY!"
Representative Section Fare
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Basic Fare Ticket | Limited Express Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station | For the latest information, please check Ekitan or the official website of the railway company. | ― | ― |
| Kumamoto Station to Aso Station | For the latest information, please check Ekitan or the official website of the railway company. | ― | ― |
*JR Kyushu's limited express train fares were revised in 2023.
Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare
The fare for "ASO BOY!" is the sum of the basic fare ticket to your destination and the limited express fare according to your seat type. Panorama seats are reserved seats in ordinary cars, so they can be used with the regular reserved seat limited express ticket for ordinary cars, and no Green Car fare is required. If you wish to use the Green Car seats in Car 1, which are arranged in a 3-seat configuration, a Green Car fare is required in addition to the basic fare ticket and limited express fare. All seats are reserved, so there are no unreserved seats.
Notes on Using the Kids' Room
The kids' room in Car 3 is a space available to passengers with reserved seats. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to prioritize booking seats in Car 3 if you're traveling with young children. Some train sets also have a photo spot inside the car for families to take commemorative photos. Higo-Ozu Station is the closest station to Aso Kumamoto Airport, making it easy to plan your itinerary considering connections with airport shuttle buses. A simple rest area is also provided inside the train in case a child becomes ill, so you can use it with peace of mind.
*Prices are subject to change.
How to Buy Tickets for "ASO BOY!"
JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation
JR Kyushu's online train reservation service allows you to purchase limited express tickets using a credit card. Because this is a popular sightseeing train for families, early reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi
You can also purchase limited express tickets at the reserved seat ticket vending machines or Midori-no-madoguchi at the station.
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets for "ASO BOY!".
How to Purchase for Foreign Tourists
"ASO BOY!" is a JR Kyushu train, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR Kyushu Rail Pass. Even when using a pass, you will need to obtain a reserved seat ticket (or Green Car ticket) separately.
*The types of passes eligible and the applicable conditions may change.
Is Ticket Issuance Required?
Even if you book through JR Kyushu's online train reservation system, in most cases you will need to pick up your tickets at a reserved seat ticket vending machine at the station before boarding.
*Whether or not a ticket is required depends on the type of reservation service.
Can IC Cards or Credit Card Contactless Payments Be Used?
On sections of the "ASO BOY!" train line that fall within the SUGOCA area, it may be possible to use a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion. However, the limited express fare portion cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card and must be purchased as a limited express ticket in advance.
As of July 2026, contactless payment via credit card is not widely available for boarding the "ASO BOY!" train on its service routes.
*Please note that you cannot ride the limited express train using only your IC card. The limited express fare must be purchased separately.
Seating Information for "ASO BOY!"
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)
"ASO BOY!" operates with a specially modified Kiha 183 series diesel railcar, consisting of reserved ordinary seats and Green Car seats in Car 1. The panoramic seats, which offer a view of the front, are reserved ordinary seats. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Panoramic Seats | These are reserved seats in ordinary cars located behind the driver's cab in Cars 1 and 4. They can be used with a regular reserved seat limited express ticket. |
| Reserved Ordinary Seat | Standard seats, family-friendly white Kuro-chan seats, etc. |
| Green Car | The seats in Car 1 are arranged in a 3-seat configuration. A Green Car fare is required to use this service. |
| Kids' Room | Children's space in Car 3 |
| Unreserved Seats | None (All seats are reserved) |
Unique Seating Features
Behind the driver's seat in Cars 1 and 4, there are panoramic seats where you can enjoy the view in the direction of travel. These panoramic seats are reserved seats in the standard class and do not require a Green Car ticket. In addition to the panoramic seats, Car 1 also has Green Car seats arranged in a 3-seat configuration. Car 3 has amenities such as a kids' room, making it convenient for family travel. When making a seat reservation, please check the car number and seat type that have the amenities you want.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing large luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
The trains used are equipped with barrier-free facilities. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend that you contact a JR Kyushu ticket office or information center in advance.
*Details of seating arrangements may vary depending on the train configuration.
Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "ASO BOY!" Train.
On the "ASO BOY!" train, some services offer onboard sales of local specialties, sweets for children, and commemorative goods. If you want to enjoy a meal, it's recommended to prepare in advance at a bento box shop or store around Kumamoto Station. Onboard sales sometimes include popular items for children, such as sweets made with Aso Jersey milk.
*Availability of onboard sales varies depending on the train and time of year.
Important Notes When Riding "ASO BOY!"
Since all seats on the "ASO BOY!" train are reserved, it is recommended to book early if you have a specific date in mind. If you want to enjoy the front view, choose a panoramic seat in the reserved ordinary car. This is a different seat type from the Green Car seats, so please check the seat name when booking. If you get off at Aso Station and head to Kusasenri or the top of Mount Aso, it is a good idea to check transportation options such as tour buses and rental cars in advance. If you are heading towards Aso Shrine from the area around Miyaji Station, the final stop, please also check the bus and taxi schedules.
Since sections of the Hohi Main Line have been affected by disasters in the past, please check the latest information regarding operating sections and days. If you are planning to combine your trip with sightseeing in Aso, it is a good idea to also consider the transfer times for buses and taxis.
Summary
"ASO BOY!" is a JR Kyushu sightseeing limited express train connecting Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station via Aso Station. The estimated travel time from Kumamoto Station to Miyaji Station is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and from Kumamoto Station to Aso Station is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. All seats are reserved, and the panoramic seats, which offer a view of the front, are available as reserved seats in the ordinary cars. There are also Green Car seats in Car 1, so please check the seat type when making a reservation. The train is equipped with facilities for children, making it easy to combine sightseeing in Aso with a family trip.
Please be sure to check the latest information on the JR Kyushu official website before departure, as operating days, timetables, and fares are subject to change. Enjoy your Aso trip on "ASO BOY!", a train that the whole family can enjoy.
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